US Muslim group condemns attack in Garland

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the attack at an event on physical depictions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Garland, Texas.

“We condemn yesterday’s attack on an anti-Islam event in Garland, Texas, without reservation,” the Muslim civil rights organization said in a statement.

“We also reiterate our view that violence in response to anti-Islam programs like the one in Garland is more insulting to our faith than any cartoon, however defamatory. Bigoted speech can never be an excuse for violence,” the statement read.

On Sunday night, two gunmen opened fire outside the Curtis Culwell Center where an anti-Islamic group, American Freedom Defense Initiative, was staging the provocative contest that would award $10,000 for the top depiction of the Prophet (PBUH).

A security guard was shot in the lower leg during the shooting.

The two gunmen, identified as Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi of Phoenix, were shot and killed.

Meanwhile, White House spokesman Josh Earnest condemned the attack.

“We have seen extremists try to use expressions that they considered to be offensive as a way to justify violence not only in this country but around the world, and in the mind of the president there is no form of expression that would justify an act of violence,” Earnest said.

The state department of public safety is set to fully investigate the shooting incident, Texas Gov. Greg Abbot said.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said that law enforcement authorities are investigating the motives behind the attack.